Whaler Sharks - seafdec.org.my

38 S h a r k s a n d R a y s o f B o r n e o
Western Highfin Spurdog
Squalus altipinnis Last, White & Stevens, 2007
4
1
5 4 3
7
Other names: None (English), none (Indonesian), Yu Minyak (Malaysian)
Identifying features:
1 pectoral-fin free rear tip not elongate
2 snout narrowly pointed (viewed ventrally)
3 2 nd dorsal fin relatively tall, upright
4 dorsal fins with thick spines
5 origin of 2 nd dorsal fin well posterior to pelvic-fin free rear tips
6 dermal denticle crowns elevated on pedicels, broad, with 1 or 3 cusps
7 posterior margin of caudal fin pale
Size: To at least 71.5 cm; males probably smaller, mature at 54 cm; birth size unknown
(late term embryos 19 cm long).
Distribution: Possibly widespread in the Indo-Malay Archipelago, confirmed from
northwestern Australia, Borneo, the Philippines and possibly Indonesia.
Habitat and biology: Occurs near the bottom on the outer continental shelf and
upper slope in 130–300 m. Viviparous, with yolk-sac dependency. Diet probably consists
of small bony fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans.
Utilisation: Caught occasionally by demersal longline fisheries and lobster pots operating
in deepwater areas. Used for its meat when fresh, otherwise discarded.
Conservation status: IUCN Red List: Data Deficient.
Local synonyms: Squalus sp. 1: Compagno et al. (2005b).
References: Last et al. (2007).